Dr. Levinthal reviews the impact of CNS dysfunction on the GI system, and the practical approach to diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia, constipation and fecal incontinence.

Educational objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Identify the most common gastrointestinal symptoms seen in patients with underlying neurological illness that affect the central nervous system

Adopt a practical approach to the diagnosis and intial management of oropharyngeal dysphagia and anorectal dysfunction in patients with neurological illnesses

Reading Resources:

kalf et al. (2012) Parkinsonism and Related Disorders 18:311-315

Pfeiffer RF (2011) Parkinsonism and Related Disorders 17:10-15

Crary et al.(2006) J. Stroke Cerebrovasc. Dis. 15:164-171

Su et al. (2009) Stroke 40:1304-1309

Brittain et al. (2006) J Am Geriatr Soc 54:1915-1919

Poorjavad et al. (2010) Multiple Sclerosis 16:362-365

Nusrat et al. (2012) ISRN Neurology ID:376023

Abel et al. (2004) Dysphagia 19:87-94

De Looze et al. (1998) Spinal Cord 36:63-66

Ng et al. (2005) Dis Colon Rectum 48:1562-1568

Hamdy S and Rothwell JC (1998) Trends Neurosci. 21(7):278-82

Disclosures:

Dr. Levinthal has no relevant financial interests with any entity or entities producing health care goods or services.

Accreditation Statement:

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other health care professionals are awarded (0.05) continuing education units (CEU) which are equivalent to 0.50 contact hour.

For your credit transcript, please access our website 4 weeks post-completion at http://ccehs.upmc.edu and follow the link to the Credit Transcript page. If you do not provide the last 5 digits of your SSN on the next page you will not be able to access a CME credit transcript. Providing your SSN is voluntary.